Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Philadelphia Flyers taking on the New York Islanders check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions
Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Flyers 2-1 Islanders
How to Watch: US TV: MSGSN; NBC Sports Philadelphia+; NHL Network. Canada TV: Sportsnet; TVA Sports.

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

It’s another light night of action on a Good Friday edition of NHL predictions. We’ve got a pivotal matchup in the Metropolitan Division as the Philadelphia Flyers visit Long Island to take on the New York Islanders. Both teams are in the thick of the Stanley Cup Playoff race and points are important.

Philadelphia is coming off a 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night. However, the Flyers are two points off the second wild card spot currently held by the Ottawa Senators going into Friday’s play.

New York is currently in the third automatic playoff spot in the Metro. However, the Columbus Blue Jackets are one point off that that spot, and the Flyers are three points behind.

Let’s take a look at the statistics and storylines going into this important game on Friday’s NHL predictions.

The Flyers Story

Philadelphia is 6-3-2 in its previous 10 games entering this divisional showdown. However, the Flyers have dropped their last two games prior to tonight’s matchup. Head coach Rick Tocchet has made progress in his first season behind the bench but there’s still work to do in order to get into the playoffs.

Daniel Vladar is the expected starter for the Flyers but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Czech netminder has helped stabilize the crease with a 24-13-7 record, 2.41 goals-against-average, and .904 save percentage.

Travis Konency leads the team in assists (39) and points (66) so far this season. Konency is tied with Owen Tippett for the team’s lead in goals with 27.

(Credit Image: © Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Wire)

The Islanders Story

New York would be in the playoffs if they started today. However, there are still six games left in the season for the Isles. Philadelphia has beaten New York two of the first three meetings this season.

Ilya Sorokin is the confirmed starter for the Islanders in this important game. The Russian goalie has a 28-20-2 mark along with a 2.54 GAA, .910 save percentage and seven shutouts.

Mathew Barzal is tops in assists (49) and points (68) so far this campaign. Bo Horvat leads in goals scored with 30 this season.

Prediction

Both teams are in need of points as we continue the stretch drive. Philadelphia has played well against New York so far this season. However, Sorokin has been one of the reasons for the Islanders being in the mix. That consistency should get the Isles the win.

Prediction: Islanders win 4-2.

Best Bets

We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Islanders versus the Flyers is 5.5, and we like the over is this game.

As far as individual props go, take Trevor Zegras to get at least a point in this game. On the Islanders front, take Matthew Schaefer to get a point in this game.

Main photo by: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.